Why you need your Flu Vaccine

With the loosening of safe management restrictions as well as the new vaccinated travel lanes, respiratory infections like influenza are likely to return.

Here are some reasons why it is important to get yourself vaccinated from the flu.

1. It's difficult to differentiate the flu from COVID-19 and both could be just as deadly

Both COVID-19 and influenza (i.e. the "flu") share many similarities. Both are contagious as it could be spread through close contact to an infected person or transmitted into the air through droplets. The viruses also can be spread through touching contaminated surfaces as well. Moreover, COVID-19 and the flu share similar symptoms that affect the respiratory tract.

A small percentage of COVID-19 patients also develop other viral infections, with the most common being influenza. Both can be dangerous and life-threatening when complications develop.

2. Spike in flu cases are predicted

Infectious disease experts are predicting that the flu virus will make a resurgence when travel resumes with the vaccinated travel lanes, as the flu virus can be brought into Singapore when travellers travel to and from countries in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. In Singapore, the flu season coincides with the winter season in these countries. Hence it is a good time to get your flu vaccine now as the flu season in Singapore is usually December to February, and from May to July.

3. Bringing influenza back may be risky for vulnerable groups

If you are travelling to places where mask wearing and safe distancing is not being enforced, you are at risk in contracting the flu virus and bringing the virus back to vulnerable groups of people.

These individuals are

• People 65 years old and above

• People with low immunity

• Children 5 years and younger

The risk of severe illness or even death is higher for individuals in these vulnerable groups. It is highly recommended for these individuals to get vaccinated

• People 65 years and above

• If you are younger than 65 years old, the flu vaccine is recommended for those with low immunity, chronic health issues or diseases.

• Children aged 5 years and below

• Women in second and third trimester of pregnancy

Book an appointment with us if you would like to get your flu vaccine

INTEMEDICAL KOVAN

INTEMEDICAL POTONG PASIR

Sources:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-flu-vaccine-influenza-deaths-cases-international-travel-2307306

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/easing-of-covid-19-travel-restrictions-in-spore-could-lead-to-uptick-in-flu-cases-doctors

https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/103/topics_influenza

Why lowering 4g of salt intake might save your life

According to a team of researchers from Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singaporeans would be much healthier just by lowering 4-gram less of salt per day.

This would help in the prevention of stroke and heart attack.

The leading cause of death in Singapore is cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF), in 2020, 19 people die from heart disease and stroke every day.

High sodium intake is one of the causes for hypertension. It contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure among those with high BMI.

The recommended daily sodium intake is 2000mg per day, this is equivalent to 5g or ¾ teaspoon of salt. Numbers released by the Ministry of Health estimate that Singaporeans consume close to 9g of salt in a day, almost twice the recommended daily intake. To achieve a healthier heart and body, one should adopt a low-sodium lifestyle. The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) website offers many tips and recipes on how one can keep track of their sodium consumption and cook healthier meals.

Ways to reduce salt intake

Health screening packages available

Here at our clinic, we offer various health screening packages that are affordable and comprehensive, especially to look out for chronic illnesses associated with salt intake like hypertension.

• Fundamental Screening ($50)

• Enhanced Screening ($200)

• Premium Screening ($300)

Speak to our doctors to work out which packages and screenings will be suitable for you and what are some lifestyle changes you may need to make in your diet to work towards a healthier body and heart.

How can I make an appointment with Intemedical?

Appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic

(click and book with instant confirmation!)

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

(available during clinic opening hours, 8am to 12am)

Mobile: 8879 9404

(messaging preferred)

Landline: +65 3165 9251

Source: Nutrients, "Assessing the Impact of Salt Reduction Initiatives on the Chronic Disease Burden of Singapore" Authors: Borame L. Dickens, et al.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/4/1171,

https://specialty.mims.com/topic/less-salt-intake-may-lower-chronic-disease-burden-in-sg?topic-grouper=news, https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2021/05/17/Salt-reduction-findings-Reducing-daily-intake-by-four-grammes-most-effective-in-reducing-CVD-risks-30-year-modelling-study, https://www.myheart.org.sg/healthy-eating/heart-smart-eating/sodium-salt/

5 Tips To Prepare For Travelling in Vaccinated Travel Lanes

With more countries being added to the list of vaccinated travel lane (VTL) list, it’s no surprise that many of us are excited to start travelling again.

Travel these days however, is no longer the same because of the current COVID-19 situation. Here are our top tips for travelling in the VTL!

1. Get your pre departure swabs and serology done on time Every country has different requirements. You’ll be surprised to learn that some countries only require these tests on arrival to the destination country. Check with your airlines, destination country requirements on what medical test are required as well as the time frames they need to be done. For the latest information, check https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg. Clinics like ours provide Pre Departure PCR swab tests that have a turnaround time of between 24 - 48 hours. There is also an option of express PCR tests that have an average turnaround time of 6 hours. (See details below) You may choose to get your tests done at either our Kovan or Potong Pasir branch.
   

2. Get your COVID booster shot if eligible Booster shots have been started in Singapore for those 30 years and older, as well as for health care workers. It’s important to elicit a “reminder” to the immune system, especially as cases remain high.
   

3. Keep yourself protected against the Flu virus as well! Don’t forget the common influenza virus! As temperatures fall in the Northen Hemisphere, respiratory viruses become more active. The viruses are also more transmissible indoors, where people are likely to stay. These viruses can be 11.3x more deadly in the elderly compared to young persons. Time your shot at least 2 weeks from other vaccines if possible.
   

4. Get Travel specific information from https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list This is good practice even during non pandemic times. Each country has its own endemic diseases and risks. It’s important to make sure you are protected against these diseases in the country.
   

5. Enjoy your holiday by practicing safe distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene! The last thing you would want on a holiday is to fall sick, especially so with COVID-19 which could see you being placed under quarantine at home or in a facility. Hand hygiene and mask wearing are one of the most important and effective ways to prevent transmission. But don’t forget to enjoy the refreshing scenery and company on your travels!

Updated 1/1/22

PCR $105 nett Results out by next day midnight if sample collected by 9pm PCR (Express) $321 nett For urgent, last minute requests. Results out 6-8 hours upon sample reaching the lab ART (Travel, Non travel) $37.45 nett Notarized .oa file provided for Malaysia Land VTL travellers (No additional cost) Blood Serology for Travel $55 nett Applicable for travelling to China

Additional surcharges for children less than 13 years old ($10 for swab tests, $50 for blood serology tests)

*Prices are inclusive of GST with no additional consultation charges For full details with FAQ, click here

How to make an appointment with Intemedical?

Appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic

(click and book with instant confirmation!)

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

(available during clinic opening hours, 8am to 12am)

Mobile: 8879 9404

(messaging preferred)

Landline: +65 3165 9251

(please be aware that the phone might be engaged due to high call volume)

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/askst-6-things-to-know-for-quarantine-free-travel-under-the-vaccinated-travel-lane-scheme